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INTRODUCTION <br />Colowyo respectfully requests that the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division (Division) <br />renew/revise the permit: according to the mining and reclamation plan as delineated within this <br />application. <br />Compliance with the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act of 1979 <br />It is unquestionable that Colowyo has continued to comply with the Colorado Surface Coal Mining <br />Reclamation Act of 1979. Since the initial efforts to expedite the review and approval of the original <br />February 5, 1981 permit application, Colowyo and the Division have met numerous times to discuss and <br />reach understandings concerning the permit application, design criteria for certain structures, <br />environmental baseline information requirements, etc. The entire permit application covers technicalities <br />which have been scrutinized in prior permit applications and revisions. <br />Further, Colowyo has continued to comply with the original approved reclamation plan. In doing so, <br />Colowyo has received, on numerous occasions, the Colorado Mining Association, Coal Mined Land <br />Reclamation Award for Large Surface Coal Mines for an outstanding compliance record and continued <br />exemplary reclamation performance. <br />Maximum Utilization and Conservation of Coal <br />Colowyo strives in its mining operation to recover the maximum coal tonnage that may be practically <br />removed. The overall goal of Colowyo with respect to coal recovery is to go well beyond the diligence <br />normally required to maximize coal production. Maximizing coal production while minimizing <br />unnecessary costs are items that both the government and Colowyo are concerned with during these times <br />of high inflation and energy shortages. Colowyo will continue to mine to the maximum physical and <br />economical depths practicable, utilizing the most current, appropriate engineering and environmental <br />technology available today. <br />Reclamation <br />Colowyo is deeply concerned about the protection and preservation of the land resources from which the <br />coal mining will occur together with all the attendant socio-economic considerations. Because of a <br />substantial investment and commitment to its land assets, Colowyo has a vested interest in the results of <br />reclamation. Colowyo is not only concerned with preserving land values, but is also committed to <br />improving their rangeland and aesthetic values. <br />Colowyo contracted with Colorado State University in 1975 to conduct a comprehensive revegetation <br />study at the mine site. This research has been developed for the improvement of reclamation and <br />revegetation techniques. Colorado State University has evaluated the reestablishment of native plant <br />species, especially shrubs on disturbed lands. The efforts of this research work and the knowledge gained <br />from it are being applied to the ongoing revegetation program at Colowyo. <br />Colowyo also works closely with numerous governmental agencies involved in research dedicated to the <br />improvement of reclamation and environmental control procedures. Colowyo has cooperated with <br />graduate and research work undertaken by several Colorado universities and colleges, such as, Colorado <br />State University and University of Colorado. Extensive study and research work has been conducted on <br />soils, overburden, archaeology, seismic effects of blasting, rock stability, vegetation, wildlife, weather, <br />hydrology, and air quality. <br />Introduction 5 Date Revised: 6/23/08 <br />Revision No: MR-91